Kourambiedes is the most popular Christmas holiday treats. Every home has a platter of these cookies to treat guests during the holidays.
Found in sweet shops from the beginning of December til Epiphany (Jan. 6th) Due to their color also made for engagments, weddings, christenings & namedays.
You find similar cookies in various Middle Eastern countries, often sprinkled with rose water or citrus flower water just before they are rolled in confectioner’s sugar.
The old island recipes called for lard, as butter was not a common ingredient.There are also recipes for Kourambiedes made with the strongly-flavored sheep’s milk butter, while there are Lenten versions made entirely with olive oil.